Archive
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Teen mum admits to dealing drugs
A GYM-SLIP mum turned to selling hard drugs to fund her cannabis habit, Swindon Crown Court was told. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was just 15 years old when she decided to branch out into dealing heroin having already made money supplying
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Redundancies at Wiltshire College
ABOUT 13 members of staff could be made redundant to cover a £1.8million deficit at Wiltshire College. The college is being forced to make cut backs after an audit revealed funding had been claimed for students who were not actually taking classes. The
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Hot competition as chefs go into battle
TOP chefs from across the county slugged it out on Tuesday in Wiltshire's first ever competition to see who is king of the kitchen. The competition, held in the kitchens of Wiltshire College Trowridge's catering department, was arranged in the style of
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Royal party treat for girl
LITTLE Danielle Hooke's dreams came true when she went to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and present her with a posy of white peonies. On Monday seven-year-old Danielle and her grandmother Gina Sandford, of Parkfields, Chippenham, entered the palace
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Hussey's spree as Glos bowlers toil
NORTHANTS opener Mike Hussey put the Gloucestershire bowlers to the sword to score an unbeaten 169 in Northants' 348-5 on the opening day of their Division Two match at Gloucester. Phil Jaques also continued his fine start to the season with 75. The Gloucester
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Rod & Line - by Roland Batten
Mammoth haul for Simon ANGLERS have been en-joying some tremendous sport at fisheries across the region over the last week. Salisbury Angling Club's lakes opened on Sunday with a 26lb mirror carp from Steeple Langford and big bags of tench from Petersfinger
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Judo youngsters make the grade
THE Mayor of Salisbury Cllr Sue Mallory was on hand to present the medals to local judo stars who shone at the first Low Grade Open Championships held at Five Rivers Leisure Centre. Some 200 competitors took part with the area enjoying much success thanks
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Tie-break trauma for tennis players
TIE-BREAK therapy and recovery positions will have been in greatest demand after the highs and lows of the weekend Hants and IOW League action in the hottest conditions of the year so far. First in the queue for a winning tie-break secret will be Riverside's
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Lucky Rob's the king of the Castle
SHREWTON-based driver Rob Horsfield will be looking to consolidate his leads in both the Monoposto and Formula Honda Champ-ionships, when he races at Cadwell Park later this month. Things are certainly looking rosy for the race ace, but last month proved
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Golf day tees off for charitable cause
HIGH Post Golf Club today stages the inaugural Salisbury Journal/High Post Corporate Golf Chall-enge with organisers so confident that the event will become an annual one that next year's date has already been provisionally booked. Some 30 teams have
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Equine tooth care straight from the horse's mouth
Equine dental technician Nikki Hatton says "Oh you've just missed the gory bit," having removed a large horse tooth. I can feel my knees weaken but put on a brave face. Nikki has no such concerns and within minutes has her hand, her whole arm even, in
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Under starter's orders
SALISBURY Racecourse is gearing up for two meetings in the space of six days. The award-winning Netherhampton venue stages its third meeting of the year on Tuesday before hosting its Father's Day event on Sunday, June 15. Entertainment at the course on
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Top British stars head for Wilton
SOME of the top British equestrian stars are heading to Salisbury at the weekend for the annual Wilton Horse Trials, writes Mike Turner. The event, set in the splendid surroundings of Wilton House, is now in its 27th year. Almost 500 competitors will
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Bullying is not the best way
THE suggestion that fat people and smokers should be pressured by the NHS to change their unhealthy lifestyle might seem attractive at a first glance. But where does theory end and the real world begin? Countless cigarette addicts long to be nicotine
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We are not prepared to accept this
THE people of Highworth could tell you his name because he has blighted their lives for longer than anybody can reasonably be expected to endure in a supposedly decent society. The police could tell you his name because they have had so many dealings
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Team undertakes mountain challenge
THREE months after she is due to give birth, Lady Venetia Fuller from Box is planning to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money for a homeless people's charity. The team of seven people will be embarking upon the five-day trek
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Adventurer set for flight after bad weather delays
Explorer David Hempleman Adams is hoping to set off on his Atlantic balloon challenge at 2am tomorrow, after a week of delays due to bad weather. He is making a second attempt fly across the ocean from Pittsburgh, USA in an open wicker basket to break
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Pupils help make banner
Creative youngsters have designed a historical banner depicting stories of their local heritage and presented it to the village museum at Castle Combe. The year three and four pupils from By Brook Valley Primary School in Yatton Keynell put their ideas
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Patients vent their anger at health chief
THERE were angry exchanges at St Paul's Hall last Wednesday night, when 300 patients gathered to grill health chief Barbara Smith about the fate of Marshfield Road Surgery. The future of the surgery, near Chippenham town centre, has been hanging in the
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Mini tribe in tots' pow-pow
CHILDREN from Oare Pre-school have been taking part in a Native American style pow-wow. The under fives decorated their home-made tepees with prints of their hands and feet and, therefore, for the day became members of the Minihandfoot tribe. The youngsters
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Diabetes sufferer steps out for charity
DIABETES sufferer Alexa Scott-Dalgleish, nine, was joined by her family when she put her best foot forward to raise funds for research into the condition on Sunday. Alexa, who lives in Enford, near Pewsey, has to give herself insulin injections three
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Former city firm wins international award
A COMPANY that started trading in Salisbury seven years ago has won one of the heating industry's most prestigious international awards. Grant UK began on Churchfields industrial estate and still employs many Salisbury people at its new base in Devizes
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New partner at solicitors
A SOLICITOR who joined Salisbury firm Whitehead Vizard less than three years ago has been made a salaried partner. Caroline Parsons (27), who specialises in residential conveyancing, took her law degree at Southampton Institute and gained a distinction
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Conference will support female entrepreneurs
NETHERAVON entrepreneur Selaine Messem will be supporting the Business Women on the Move conference, which takes place in Hampshire later this month. Ms Messem is the managing director of LessBounce, an online and mail order distribution company that
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A chance for directors to discover their skills
BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is offering company directors the chance to find out how good they really are at their job. How good a director are you?, which can be found in the diagnostic and tools section of Business Link's website, www.blbw.co.uk
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Carnival cash from vacuum
MALMESBURY Carnival has had a £2,000 cash injection from vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson. The company founded by multimillionaire James Dyson, employs 1,200 workers at its Malmesbury plant and has given the money to sponsor this year's carnival procession
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Fire brigade in hunt for recruits
WILTSHIRE fire brigade is launching a recruiting drive to find volunteers to become retained firefighters in Malmesbury and Cricklade. The brigade is holding an open evening at the fire station in Cricklade on Monday 8, June at 7pm and another at Malmesbury
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Canine competition
JUNE 7, CORSTON: The Companion dog show will be held at Kingway Barn near Corston on Saturday in aid of The Independent Flatcoat Retriever Rehoming organisation. Entries from 11am, obedience judging at noon and pedigree judging at 1pm. For more details
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Riders saddle up for charity
CYCLISTS of all ages will be braving saddle sores at the Crudwell Le Mans 24-hour bike ride, when it starts on Saturday. The event takes in a seven-mile circuit from the village hall up to Ashley and part of the Fosse Way. There will be around 400 riders
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Pensioner foils third raid bid
CRUDWELL: A women of her 80s was the victim of an attempted burglary for the third time in a year on Wednesday. The woman heard a noise coming from her back door at about 10am and found a stockily built white man described as between 5ft 11ins and 6ft
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Youth vows to give up drugs
TEENAGER Adam Stannard vowed to give up drugs after police arrested him after a drunken fracas in and discovered ecstasy tablets in his pocket, a court heard. Stannard, 19, of The Firs, Kemble, appeared before magistrates in Chippenham on Monday when
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Plans for school are on display in village
PLANS for the new Sherston School will be on display in the village hall this week after being submitted for planning approval to the district council. The £1.64 million, single-storey school on land at Upper Stanbridge Farm is expected to be completed
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It's perfect harmony
NEW music sensation Jamie Cullum had a packed Crudwell Village Hall in raptures when he performed in an unrehearsed concert with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who grew up in nearby Hullavington, was unable to practise
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Carnival cash from vacuum
MALMESBURY Carnival has had a £2,000 cash injection from vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson. The company founded by multimillionaire James Dyson, employs 1,200 workers at its Malmesbury plant and has given the money to sponsor this year's carnival procession
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Mrs Morris is ready for her toughest test
DRIVER Julian Marshall is hoping a 40-year-old Morris Minor will help him raise cash for a youth charity when he takes it on a gruelling 850-mile trek from one end of Britain to the other. The car, called Mrs Morris, is taking part in a Morris rally from
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Appeal for witnesses to attack on woman
POLICE are investigating claims that a woman was attacked in the Cloister Gardens behind Malmesbury Abbey on Friday. The incident is alleged to have happened at 10pm when the woman, from Malmesbury, received cuts and bruises after she was punched and
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Town's fight for more car parking hots up
THE pressure is mounting on North Wiltshire District Council to provide extra car parking spaces in Malmesbury. The Malmesbury and St Paul Without Residents' Association has added its weight to a campaign headed by the chamber of commerce to lobby the
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Skateboard boy sets barn ablaze
A 12-YEAR-OLD skateboarder admitted causing a fire that burned down a barn belonging to councillor Toby Sturgis, causing £40,000 damage. Police are treating the fire at Brook Farm, Great Somerford, as arson and the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons
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Praying for a ban
POLICE are clamping down on speeding drivers by putting a number of mobile cameras. Most people if caught are angry that they have to pay a fine and get three points put on their driving licence. But one church minister this week pleaded to be banned
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Box v Marshfield
AN impressive tight spell of bowling from Ben White set up a win for Marshfield by six wickets over local rivals Box in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two. Off spinner White took three wickets and conceded just 16 runs in his 12 overs, eight of
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Wales v Wiltshire
RECORDS tumbled as Wiltshire made a successful start to their Minor Counties championship campaign with an emphatic victory over Wales at Pontypridd. Their innings and four run success over the Principality gave Wiltshire 24 points, the first time they
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Malmesbury v Apperley
A DISAPPOINTING performance with bat and ball from Malmesbury at the weekend saw the home team slip to a second league defeat. Winning the toss and batting first, Malmesbury , shorn of several first team players, started well. Chris Hurst and Richard
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Former champions sent tumbling out
Goatacre v Bredon: GOATACRE suffered a double disappointment at the weekend as they lost in both the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Division One and the National Village Knockout Cup. Goatacre entertained Bredon in Saturday's league game. Bredon won the
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Perry leads run feast as Biddestone go top
WILTSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE: NORTH Wiltshire rivals Biddestone, Westinghouse and Calne are the early pacesetters in Division One. Undefeated Biddestone visited Nationwide House and restricted the home side to 181 for seven, as Mike Tasker took 4-58 in his
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TV vicar entertains the village children
SEEND'S rector, the Rev Jamie Allen, will host children's entertainments in the vicarage garden as part of Seend Open Gardens weekend at the end of June. Mr Allen, nationally famous after the success of A Country Parish on BBC2, is organising a children's
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Cable and Wireless job shock for town
THE future of 150 jobs at telecommunications giant Cable and Wireless' Swindon operation is in question. The firm is shedding 1,500 jobs in the UK following huge losses of £3.29 billion detailed in its latest annual report. The company says the jobs will
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Buster's trout pout
AN 11-year old Golden Retriever bit off more than he could chew on Saturday after a casual swim in the Avon at Durrington netted him a 6lb rainbow trout. Buster had been out for a walk with owners Helen and Tony Peacock and their younger dog, Dudley,
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Plan to cut need for emergency call outs
A new scheme for a county-wide emergency call-out service for doctors has been welcomed by beleaguered Wootton Bassett GPs. The scheme will provide a single telephone number for residents of the whole of Wiltshire to call if they need an emergency visit
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Batting in the sun
Hampshire League - North West Division Three Hampton Park v Paultons III HAMPTON Park were glad to win the toss and elected to bat first in the sunshine. Both openers were in fine form and posted an opening stand of 137 before Steve Dinnis was bowled
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Hamptworth duo eye up St Andrews final
TWO Hamptworth Golf Club members have qualified for the semi-finals of the largest competition for club golfers in the world. Alfie Luke and Malcolm Monti will head north of the border to the home of the sport later this year hoping to secure a place
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County battle is set to be a family affair
THE Wiltshire bowls squad will keep it in the family this weekend, after naming a father and his two sons in their line up for a crunch cup clash. The Snells will feature prominently for the county in their big Middleton Cup group match with Warwickshire
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Murder still a mystery
TV filmmakers have called in the Gazette and Herald to help solve a horrific murder mystery from more than 140 years ago. The murder of four-year-old Francis Saville Kent shocked the country when the little boy's body was found in an outside privy at
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Pavilion gets under way
HIGHWORTH Junior Football Club's eight-year dream of a pavilion finally got under way yesterday. Highworth Town Council member Maureen Dilley and football club chairman Bernard Berry got the building work underway with the ceremonial first dig. The project
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Plan to cut need for emergency call outs
A new scheme for a county-wide emergency call-out service for doctors has been welcomed by beleaguered Wootton Bassett GPs. The scheme will provide a single telephone number for residents of the whole of Wiltshire to call if they need an emergency visit
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Witnesses plea after road rage attack
POLICE are appealing for any witnesses to a road rage attack on a lone woman driver at Berwick Bassett on Friday, May 30. She was left shaken up after a man jumped out of a car in front of her at traffic lights, opened the driver's door of her Range Rover
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New CPRE chairman demands answers
Sir Nigel Thompson, the former Government task force chairman in Kosovo and Serbia is to be the new chairman of the Council For The Protection Of Rural England. Father-of-three Sir Nigel, who lives at Stitchcombe ,near Marlborough, has been named as successor
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Extra cash targeted at specific schools
FAIR DEAL FOR OUR SCHOOLS: A FLAGSHIP Government scheme that has succeeded in raising standards throughout the country is coming to Swindon. More than £2.5 million will be pumped into five secondary schools and their feeder primary schools over the next
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GP's taste of his own medicine
A FAMILY doctor is dieting as an example to his patients - as the Government considers moves to penalise patients who fail to take responsibility for their health. Under plans to be debated at the Labour Party Conference in the autumn, overweight people
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SDH extends parking
A NEW car park extension with 252 spaces has opened at Salisbury District Hospital for patients, visitors and staff. The extension to car parks eight and nine, at the back of the hospital, will relieve some of the pressure on existing car parks and help
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Elderly man died of natural causes
A VERDICT of natural causes was recorded at a Salisbury inquest on an elderly man who died after falling outside his home on Salisbury Plain. Albert Furminger (92) of Kitchener Road, Amesbury died from intra-cerebral haemorrhage at Salisbury District
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Mobile cameras move in on the county's speeding drivers
Speeding drivers in Wiltshire caught out by mobile cameras are receiving hefty fines and driving bans. The police safety camera unit has been moving around the county to try and catch drivers breaking the law. A 30-year-old man from Calne was recently
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Inquest: asbestos led to death
THOUGH former shipbuilder Peter Walker did not handle asbestos, he worked alongside men lagging ships' boilers and pipes with it, an inquest heard on Friday. The exposure to the material was sufficient to lead to an asbestos-related disease that was to
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Building more than houses
A state-of-the-art housing estate in the heart of Calne, using the latest environmentally friendly technology, was officially opened on Wednesday. Built by Westlea Housing Association, the Stokes Croft development uses recyclable building materials, renewable
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Paws in the pews at furry blessing and Top Hat day
IT was hats off to our four-legged friends at this year's Netheravon top hat day on Saturday. The festivities, which include the wearing of beribboned top hats, got under way with a special pets' service at All Saints Church. No parishioners were allowed
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Sisters reunited after lifetime apart
TWO sisters separated for nearly 50 years and who each thought the other was dead have been reunited. Janet Walsh (78), of Coltsfoot Close, Amesbury, and Sophia Cloete (75), of Cape Town, had not seen each other since 1955, when Janet left South Africa
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Party for the whole week
IN a break with tradition, this year's Calne Carnival will feature a week of events rather than just one day. Organisers hope that this will create a party atmosphere in the town before the procession of floats on June 14. The week starts with an angling
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Witnesses wanted
CALNE Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorist rammed a police car, leaving the officer with whiplash injuries. The incident took place at 3.20am Wednesday at New Derry Hill a quarter of a mile past Studley crossroads when the officer was attempting
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Couple drive into future
DRIVEN by dreams of becoming driving instructors, husband and wife Gareth and Joanne Mott put their future on the line to take their final exam. After a year of tests and 40 hours of training, the couple became trainee instructors, and had just six months
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Duck dash reels in the cash
CALNE went quackers on Saturday when thousands of ducks competed in the Lion's annual duck race on the River Marden. Throngs of excited people lined the race route, from Somerfields car park to the wharf, to cheer their ducks onto victory. At 11am the
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Contracts exchanged on new school
DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram visited Rowde on Friday to witness the exchange of contracts between the governors of Rowde Primary School and developers Persimmon Homes, who have agreed to build a new school on a greenfield site on the Devizes edge of the
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Drug addict handed a lifeline by magistrates
DRUG addict Jonathan Clarke, who has 31 previous drugs convictions, has been given a lifeline by magistrates after he admitted possessing drugs. Clarke, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin, methadone, amphetamines and cannabis resin at his home
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Posy ring goes into museum
A RARE gold "posy" ring found by local man Peter Cawley at Avebury has been acquired by Wiltshire Heritage Museum, in Devizes. It is the first such ring ever found that has been made locally. Museum curator Paul Robinson said: "The importance of the ring
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Cathedral welcomes Matthew to the choir
TALENTED ten-year-old Matthew Wright from Poulshot has just been admitted as a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. Matthew's road to success began when he saw an advertisement in the Gazette for choristers at his parish church and joined the choir at St
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Sign of the times as garage set to vanish
RETIRED car dealer Tom Fussell has spoken of his regret that Chirton garage, which he spent most of his adult life building up, will probably have to be demolished to make way for a housing development. The garage closed in 2001 when Fussell Wadman car
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Club bats for college bid
DEVIZES School's bid for sports college status got a boost from a local sports club this week when Ed Davies, the chairman of Bishops Cannings Cricket Club, handed over a cheque for £1,500. The money was raised from an auction during the club's recent
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Autumn trial date for major
MAJOR Charles Ingram from Easterton, near Devizes, pleaded not guilty to five new charges in regard to home insurance policies when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court last Thursday. Major Ingram, 39, of The Grange, High Street, Easterton, had already
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Bishop helps to serve meals on wheels
THE newly appointed Bishop of Kasese, in Uganda, Bishop Jackson Nzerebende, and his wife Dorothy saw how the British institution of Meals on Wheels operates in the Devizes area last week. Bishop Jackson and his wife went out with the team supplying hot
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Fringe offers free music, from samba to classical
DEVIZES FESTIVAL 2003: OVER the next three weeks Devizes is offering possibly the best programme of free events anywhere in the South West as part of the Devizes Festival fringe. The programme begins on Sunday at 3pm in St John's Church with a recital
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Police alert on sneak thief
POLICE are warning of sneak thief after he stole a purse containing £40 from an 83-year-old woman in Market Lavington last week while he pretended to inquire about gardening work. The incident took place around noon last Friday when the woman was in the
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Samba band upbeat after lottery grant
DEVIZES Samba Band have plenty to bang the drum about this week after it learned it has been awarded £4,795 in the latest round of the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme. The group, who call themselves Oi Sambistas! (Oh, samba makers) was set up
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Villagers sign up to double as life-savers
MARKET Lavington residents have been the first in the county to sign up for a new scheme in which ordinary people attend medical emergencies in their own area. Market Lavington Parish Council has agreed to be the first in Wiltshire to run a Neighbourhood
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Owners distraught after dog dies in car
DEVIZES veterinary surgeon Ed Davies has warned owners of bulldogs, Pekinese or pugs to keep them cool in hot weather after a bulldog died in the back of a well-ventilated car being driven in the area. The distraught owners of an 18-month-old bulldog
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Farmers set for street market
Jo Ripley of the Friends of the Earth, who organise Marlborough's Farmers' Market on the second Saturday each month, said they are welcoming competition. Mrs Ripley said the FoE had no objection to plans by the Wiltshire Farmers' Markets Association to
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Fast turn around
WILTSHIRE'S only working windmill at Wilton saw what was believed to be a unique event on Saturday when flour was milled and baked into a loaf in one day. The Sheaf to Loaf event was the highlight of the Wilton Windmill Society's annual country fair.
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Stars turn spotlight on Riverbank project
ACTOR Nigel Havers has not only consented to be a patron of the proposed £4.5 million Riverbank theatre/cinema in Marlborough, he has given a further pledge. As he arrived at the official launch of fundraising for the project on Thursday, he told the
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Marlborough news in brief
The carnival committee has notified traders that it has applied for the formal road closure for carnival day. It has applied for the High Street to be closed from 6am to 8pm on Sunday September 14 while a craft fair takes place in the town centre and
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River crew fish out junk
WHAT a load of rubbish. . .that's exactly what district council workers found when they trawled the River Kennet in Marlborough. Their river clean up on Thursday was a partnership effort by Kennet District Council and Waitrose supermarket. Waitrose paid
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Boy puts players on marks for marathon
SCHOOLBOY Kieron Grove was at the start of a 24 hour darts marathon on Saturday evening to raise funds for research into children's heart problems. The five-year-old from Marlborough was diagnosed when he was only a few months old with a rare condition
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Lost girl found safe
LITTLE Charley-Jo Stagg happily played dressing up in a charity shop in Marlborough unaware that a police search including the force helicopter was taking place for her. The three-year-old, who had disappeared while shopping with her mother Dawn, heard
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A birthday treat is given to Macmillan
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: A DEVOTED Macmillan supporter turned her birthday into a fundraising event. Ena Lewis takes her role as a Mac-millan committee member seriously. Throughout her 30 years as the committee's secretary, she has baked cakes, brewed tea
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Join in Forest Festival fun
The fifth annual Forest Festival, billed as Swindon's biggest green family event, is being held this year at the Lawns in Old Town on Saturday, August 30. The event runs from 10am to 5pm and will be packed with entertainers, musicians, children's workshops
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Generous Scout supporters boost group with £700 donation
SUPPORTERS of the 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group have donated a cheque for £700. The cheque was presented at the group's AGM at the Scout HQ. Group Scout leader Eileen Lambourne praised the work of her colleagues and thanked supporters for their contributions
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Put safety first
With respect to those who oppose the safety mast at Great Bedwyn station one thing appears to have been forgotten the improved safety factor to the public at large. One of the remarks I have heard from the protesters is "it will spoil our view". The law
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Dancers turn on the tap charm
A GROUP of Swindon dancers have been chosen to appear in a professional show at the Wyvern Theatre. About 25 students from the Tanwood School of Dance and the Performing Arts in Dowling Street will be performing in four numbers as part of the show Turn
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Festival praise
Despite the criticism levelled at local businesses regarding poor support for Chippenham Folk Festival, I would like to congratulate Chris and Mick at The Old Road Inn, hopefully on behalf of anyone who visited the pub over the weekend. Not only did they
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Anniversary of D-Day is remembered
CEREMONIES are due to take place in Swindon commemorating the 59th anniversary of the biggest seaborne invasion in the history of warfare. The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 marked the start of the battle to liberate Europe and the eventual defeat of
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Cinema trip a bit special
CHILDREN from a Park South school have been on a visit to a cinema, courtesy of a firm of opticians. Haine and Smith in Cavendish Square donated 20 cinema tickets to pupils at Nyland Special School as part of what the firm describes as its commitment
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Help was valued
During a collection made at Devizes Guardians' public meeting of March 25 regarding the future of Devizes Hospital it was stated that any donations exceeding the cost of venue hire would be given to Devizes Hospital Action Trust. The total collected was
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Country park wins another accolade
ONE of Swindon's favourite playgrounds has become the first British winner of an international Blue Flag award for inland beaches. Keynes Country Park, which is in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park, has picked up the award for its clean and safe children's
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SDH extends parking
A NEW car park extension with 252 spaces has opened at Salisbury District Hospital for patients, visitors and staff. The extension to car parks eight and nine, at the back of the hospital, will relieve some of the pressure on existing car parks and help
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Spreading the word via satellite TV
A SWINDON pastor is spreading his message on Sky TV. Pastor Andrew Colthart, 60, from Gorse Hill, has his own weekly show called Heart2Heart on the Sky Digital Life Channel and is attracting viewers from across the UK. Pastor Andrew said: "It is the best
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Two killed, 15 hurt in minibus crash
TWO people died and 15 were injured following an accident on Tuesday involving eight vehicles - including a lorry and a minibus, on the A36 Salisbury to Southampton road at Wellow. The crash happened at 3.20pm between Blackhill Road and Winwhistle Lane
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Army major on five new charges
ARMY Major Charles Ingram has appeared in court to face five new charges relating to a £32,000 insurance fraud. Ingram (39) had already been charged with two counts of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception before he appeared at Bournemouth Crown
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Bid to unravel Roman mystery
EXPERTS from English Heritage are hoping to solve a small piece of the mystery surrounding the Roman site at Groundwell Ridge. This week a team of archaeologists have been hauling highly sensitive radar equipment in straight lines on the 1.8-hectare site
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TV magician hurt in road accident
VETERAN magician Ali Bongo has been discharged from Swindon's Great Western Hospital after being injured in a road accident. His car was involved in a collision with a lorry on the A350 Chippenham road on Tuesday afternoon. The 74-year-old conjurer, whose
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We need more say
I was both surprised and disappointed by the recent personal attack on me by Coun Ray Parsons in the letters columns of the Gazette. I was equally disappointed to hear that a number of my fellow members from Roundway Parish Council had complained that
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Jubilee award for city charity
FIFTY years to the day since her coronation the Queen has honoured the Salisbury-based Trussell Trust with her Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service in the community. The award announced at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace on Monday comes just six
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We are fighting to get the best care
DASH 2 committee members are saddened Keith Davison (Gazette letters May 29) has failed to grasp the significant recognition and concessions DASH 2 has already received from the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. The fact that we have met
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Crass stupidity
IF you watch television you have probably noticed that 1,400 teachers are to be made redundant for various reasons, but mainly because our schools cannot afford to pay them. At the same time a TV advert is running urging people to become teachers because
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Road safety scheme puts pupils in danger
I think a round of applause must be due to the Highways Authority for coming up with such a devilish new road layout in Chippenham, along a short section of the London Road towards Calne. Don't get me wrong, I do understand it's important motorists don't
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Sisters reunited after lifetime apart
TWO sisters separated for nearly 50 years and who each thought the other was dead have been reunited. Janet Walsh (78), of Coltsfoot Close, Amesbury, and Sophia Cloete (75), of Cape Town, had not seen each other since 1955, when Janet left South Africa
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A great break
THE Meningitis Trust would like to thank everyone who whipped up a froth, stirred up a crowd and made a difference in an instant by holding a coffee break event in the South West. Thanks to you and more than 1,100 groups of coffee breakers across the
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Sack confusion
WITH regard to the letter from Mr Theo Godfrey, May 22. Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Godfrey for his kind comments about the Council, in general, giving value for money. I can confirm that the prepaid green sacks are collected along with black sacks
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Prostitute jailed, but clients go free
WITH reference to the Advertiser news that a foolish misguided girl has been sent to prison for prostitution at a cost to the taxpayer of about £200 per week, yet her clients, who are 100 per cent responsible for her profession existing, get away scot
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Make the most of the time you have
READING through the columns of the Evening Advertiser I came across an article under Problems Solved, questions and answers by Fiona Caine (Saturday May 31). It concerned a lady of 55 who had become very friendly with a gentleman of 67, whom she had met
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Fidler makes Bath switch
Rob Fidler has joined Bath after he was told by Gloucester that they were unable to offer him a new deal. The 28-year-old second-row forward, who won two full England caps in 1998 and has been an England A regular, agreed a deal to move to the Recreation
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Pianist rises to a challenge
BATH FESTIVAL: Contemporary Music Weekend, Sarah Nicolls, piano, Guildhall WRITING in the programme, Miss Nicolls says her reason for choosing to play mostly contemporary/modern music is "My wish to challenge the audience, not simply to entertain but
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Kljusko goes after 28 years
PETE Kaljusko has stepped down as chairman of Corsham Rugby Club after 28 years' service. Kaljusko served as second team captain, before becoming fixture secretary, president and chairman, and a driving force behind the club's move to their current Lacock
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Thanks for cash
I WISH to thank the people of Devizes who supported Devizes RBL table top cake sale and street collection on May 31 in aid of our benevolent fund. Your generosity was much appreciated. Many thanks to members and friends who donated the cakes and to the
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Anglers angry at restock ban
A RESTOCKING ban looks set to be imposed on Salisbury Angling Club leaving club members bewildered and angry. The Environment Agency has told the club it cannot restock its lakes at Steeple Langford with crucian carp, tench and bream because they are
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'Our school is beyond repair'
FAIR DEAL FOR OUR SCHOOLS: THREE years ago Wroughton Infant School was in line to be demolished and completely rebuilt. Swindon Council had bid for government cash to carry out the work. But the bid was unsuccessful and since then no more money has been
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Defiant gran hits back at tormentors
PLUCKY grandmother Jose Busby hit back this week at young tormentors who have been making her life a misery. Mrs Busby (67), who lives in Gainsborough Close, Bemerton Heath, says she has suffered a torrent of abuse and harassment from a group of youths
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Postal service among country's worst
FIRST class postal services in Salisbury are among the 20 worst performing postcode areas in the country for delivering next-day post. Figures released on Friday by Postwatch South and West show that Salisbury's SP postcode area is in joint 11th position
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Tax free days
Why did we not celebrate Tax Freedom Day this year? June 2 was the first day after which all we earn will go into our own pockets. Up until then the Government has taken by taxes of some sort all of our earnings. So June 2 was a 'Hurrah Day' for all taxpayers
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Asylum seekers put our own house in order first
IF David Rowlands (EA May 23) thinks that his explanation why asylum seekers and refugees come to this country will satisfy the many thousands of people who oppose their entry then he is barking up the wrong tree. He may well be right when he quotes world
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Trainspotters are getting a hard time
I WRITE in support of trainspotters. These people normally stand at the platform ends, well away from any position where they could interfere with the workings of the railway, are often better informed in matters of the timetable etc, than many staff
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Candlelight shows off Camerata's fine quality
BATH FESTIVAL: Bath Camerata by Candlelight, Prior Park Chapel IN a changing world, it's always rewarding to review Bath Camerata: Their quality of tone never varies and Nigel Perrin can always be relied upon for meticulous quality and for doing things
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OAP fighting dirty over missing duvet
PENSIONER Arthur Holt's routine trip to the dry cleaners turned into a nightmare that lasted six months and ended up in court. Mr Holt, 65, of Hardens Mead, Chippenham, took a duvet to be cleaned at West County Cleaners in the town's High Street on October
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Shopper shook as he used false card
UNEMPLOYED Londoner John Gee lost his partner and their 17-month-old child when he shamed them by attempting to steal from a series of Chippenham shops, a court heard. At Chippenham Magistrates Court on Monday Gee, 26, of Hornsea Road, in London, pleaded
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Hopes wilt for success at national contest
LESS than a year after it withdrew from the South West in Bloom competition, Chippenham Town Council has also pulled out of Britain in Bloom, blaming the county council for a lack of support. Chippenham has competed in the national competition for 15
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Jobs look safe after Securicor buyout
THE future of 500 jobs at Securicor Information Systems look safe for the moment, after a ten-month management buy-out was finally signed and sealed on Monday. Around a quarter of the computer firm's employees lost their jobs, or accepted voluntary redundancy
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Brigade's warning over fake safety call
FIREFIGHTERS are warning residents to be wary of bogus phone callers trying to find out about their homes. Families in Dover Street, Chippenham, have been phoned by a man claiming to be phoning from Wiltshire Fire Brigade. They have asked the occupier
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Hall is back in the groove
AMBITIOUS plans are under way to transform the Neeld Hall into a major concert and community venue. The scheme is being spearheaded by Chippenham Town Council, the Mayor and the town's Kandu Arts group, and it is hoped that bands could be playing at the
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Street entertainers give towns a boost
SHOPPERS are being tempted into Chippenham with street entertainers and new Sunday opening hours. A stilt-walking fire-eater is the latest attraction brought in by Chippenham Town Council to attract shoppers to the town's dwindling Friday and Saturday
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Residents fight for parking
CHIPPENHAM residents are demanding that the proceeds from a car park being sold off for housing by the county council are ploughed back into their community. Until this week, the controversial piece of land at the top of Park Lane and New Road had been
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Skateboard boy sets barn ablaze
A 12-YEAR-OLD skateboarder admitted causing a fire that burned down a barn belonging to councillor Toby Sturgis, causing £40,000 damage. Police are treating the fire at Brook Farm, Great Somerford, as arson and the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons
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And for my next trick magician escapes crash
VETERAN magician Ali Bongo had a miracle escape after a lorry crushed the driver's side of his Daimler Jaguar when he was on the way to meet Prince Charles at Highgrove. The 74-year-old was taken to Swindon's Great Western Hospital after the collision
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Deadline looms for nightclub developer
Golddiggers developer E & J Commercial Property has one week to make the full payment for the building, otherwise it will lose the contract. The developer received planning permission last week to turn the former nightclub into an entertainment venue
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Man bailed after rape allegation
A 41-year-old man was arrested and released on police bail on Saturday, May 31, pending further inquiries after a woman alleged she was raped at The Pines Hotel, Chippenham, that day. On Sunday afternoon the same woman was found cutting her wrists on
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GP says his patient was sent away
Patient Kathy Jefferies says she was refused treatment at Chippenham Community Hospital on Sunday because her GP is Dr Barney Williams. Mrs Jefferies, of Doveys Terrace in Kington Langley, was obliged to drive herself to Malmesbury Hospital, despite being
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New skate plan skids to a halt
PLANS to build a new skatepark at Westmead have already hit the skids, with furious residents vowing to fight it all the way. Gathered at the site of the proposed skatepark on Westmead Playing Fields on Tuesday evening, residents from homes in The Paddocks
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Landlady wins AA prize
MAKING her bed and breakfast business a "real home from home" has earned Sixpenny Handley landlady Ann Inglis a place in the top 20. Mrs Inglis, who runs the Town Farm Bungalow guest house has been judged by the AA as among the top 20 bed and breakfast
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Blencowe en route to Silverstone
TISBURY race ace Alan Blencowe will be looking to continue the form which has seen him climb to third in the Green Flag BTCC production drivers standings when he heads to Silverstone this weekend. The venue's international circuit stages rounds seven
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Group starts green website
Neston Recycling Group has launched a website to encourage local people to help make their home the most environmentally friendly village in Britain. The website lists recycling events and ideas on how to be more environmentally minded as well as listing
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Another Luke
PORTSMOUTH'S Luke Nightingale and Danny Murphy of Queens Park Rangers will attempt to impress Andy King during pre-season and earn themselves contracts at the County Ground. The pair have been freed by their respective clubs and the Town boss has agreed
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Popular man's death remains a mystery
Family and friends of Richard Bligh, 24, who drowned while on a working holiday in Florida, have paid tribute to a man who lived an adventurous life. Mr Bligh, from Ditteridge, Box, had been working and travelling around Canada and America for two years
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Young journalists are on the write lines
Young journalists selected to produce a new youth magazine put their skills into practice at the hi-tech Corsham Media Park last week. Eighteen teenagers from across the county were selected from hundreds of applicants to help produce the magazine db8
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Thank god
This teen terror will no longer be able to cause havoc in Highworth for at least three months. The 15-year-old has been sent to a young offenders' institute after bringing misery to the town by causing a nuisance at school, shops and at church. He pulled
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Lyneham lands star role in TV series on life in RAF
ANYONE who thinks the RAF's transport fleet lacks glamour should stay tuned to a new television series about RAF Lyneham called Airbase. The documentary began on HTV last Thursday and featured a J-type Hercules flying a night-time mission to supply US
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Chairman acts fast over plans outburst
NORTH Wiltshire's District Council's new planning committee chairman was forced to take drastic action last Wednesday night, when frustrated applicants staged a protest. Trouble erupted when the meeting, to discuss planning applications, came to the end
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Developer threatens crayfish habitat
VILLAGERS in Slaughterford are fighting a war of attrition against developers, who threaten to destroy the fragile ecological habitat of its mill a haven to some of Britain's most endangered creatures. Slaughterford's paper mill, which is sited on the
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It's perfect harmony
NEW music sensation Jamie Cullum had a packed Crudwell Village Hall in raptures when he performed in an unrehearsed concert with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who grew up in nearby Hullavington, was unable to practise
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Plan to cut need for emergency call outs
A new scheme for a county-wide emergency call-out service for doctors has been welcomed by beleaguered Wootton Bassett GPs. The scheme will provide a single telephone number for residents of the whole of Wiltshire to call if they need an emergency visit
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Wheelie bins coming
More than 48,000 wheeled dustbins should be on the streets of North Wiltshire by November. North Wiltshire District Council has accepted a firm's £939,000 contract to supply bins to the region. Ruth Coleman, leader of North Wiltshire District Council,
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Hit-run smash
A breakdown truck owned by Whatleys of Pewsey was involved in a hit and run accident at the Goerge Lane/Pewsey road roundabout in Marlborough on Friday when it was struck by a blue Peugeot 405 saloon car that failed to stop. Only minor damage was caused
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Eagle eyes sought
PEWSEY Police hope residents in Rawlins Road may have seen a stone thrown through the window of a parked Fiat Uno van at about 10pm on Monday. Any information to WPC Michelle Haley 01672 562222.
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Vandals make meal of raid
POLICE hope they are hot on the trail of vandals who broke into a village hall and used its microwave to warm their supper. They clambered onto the roof of toilets at the back Upavon Village Hall and got in through a skylight window. Once inside, they
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Farmer on his bike for charity
FARMER Tim Carson is to take part in a 250-mile sponsored bike ride across South Africa despite suffering a serious back problem that brought his own sporting career to an end. Mr Carson, 42, who farms at Alton Barnes, near Pewsey, is setting out for
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Businesses asked to take part in survey
BUSINESSES on Churchfields industrial estate, Salisbury, are being urged to take part in a survey. The 2003 survey, conducted by the South Wiltshire Economic Partnership, will ask a number of questions, including whether businesses are happy with their
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Senior partner is first from outside family
CHRIS Macey, senior partner of Salisbury accountants Fletcher & Partners, hosted a party at the city's Medieval Hall for more than 100 clients and business contacts to celebrate the firm's 103rd birthday. Mr Macey, who trained with KPMG and joined
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Amanda gets set to party
A NEW business that has been set up in Verwood looks set to become a big hit with little girls and their mums. Amanda's Party Girls has been started by Amanda McDonnell to provide dressing up parties for girls, and boys, in the child's home or at venues
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Peruvian kids inspired love
INTREPID Germaine Kemble of Sherston has returned after working with mentally and physically disabled children in Peru for six months. Based in the Sacred Valley in the south east of Peru, former teacher Mrs Kemble, 59, worked at the Rainbow Centre, founded
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Mast will go soon
A mast constructed on Filand's Farm, Malmesbury, is temporary, the town council has said. It was put up on Friday for the emergency services' new radio control system and will be removed when a new antennae is put up on the water tower at the north edge
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Have your say
MALMESBURY Residents are being invited to have their say on the promotion of Malmesbury, by joining the Town Forum. They are being invited to go along to a meeting in the town hall on June 12 when events, retail initiatives and the promotion of attractions
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It's Arsenal nil as shirt is a school auction flop
A SIGNED Arsenal team shirt and football failed to attract a single bid in a charity auction run by Malmesbury's Burton House School. It had hoped the ball and shirt would raise £1,000 towards its £247,250 appeal to renovate its Abbey Leaze building,
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Row must not harm patients
SOME people love him and some hate him but maverick GP Barnie Williams brings out strong feelings in lots of people. The Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust has had enough of him and would like to see the back of him after a number of fallings
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Kwik cricket final showdown
THE county final of a national Kwik Cricket competition is due to take place at Devizes Cricket Club on Friday June 20. Almost 1,000 boys and girls from across Wiltshire will be embarking on the first of four rounds of the National Kwik Cricket Tournament
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Devizes v Westbury
A BELLIGERENT belligerent 56 from Andy Hodder helped Devizes to ease past Westbury in the preliminary round of the Jack Wilcox Trophy on Thursday. Hodder in partnership with Paul Stobbart, who made 38, put on an entertaining 103 for the first wicket although
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Downend v Chippenham
ANDY Dawson bowled a dazzling spell to set up Chippenham's eight wicket win in Premier Division Two of the Stroud and Swindon West of England League. The slow left armer took five for 21 in just 20 balls to send Downend tumbling from 144 for four to 184
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Dumbleton v Devizes
TWO evenly matched sides contributed to an enthralling game, which was eventually won by Dumbleton thanks to a match winning performance from Zimbabwean Englebrecht. Having taken 3-47 after Devizes won the toss and elected to bat, he then made a polished
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Young pair complete a rare ton up double
NORTH WILTS JUNIOR LEAGUE: Under 13s: CHIPPENHAM entertained Erlestoke in a match dominated by two outstanding innings. Centuries do not occur very often in Under 13 cricket so to have two scored in the one game is quite extraordinary. Batting first,
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Woodmancote v Marlborough
WITH the first sign of sun for the season, Marlborough skipper Tom Norris lost the toss and his team were asked to field in sweltering conditions. First time visitors Woodmancote took advantage of a good playing surface to notch up an impressive 228 for
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Actress back in the county
ACTRESS Frederica Dunstan, who played leading roles at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes, is set to return to the county next month with a theatre company she helped to found. The company, called Sweet FA, is performing a show called ABC at Seend Bridge Farm
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Cathedral welcomes Matthew to the choir
TALENTED ten-year-old Matthew Wright from Poulshot has just been admitted as a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. Matthew's road to success began when he saw an advertisement in the Gazette for choristers at his parish church and joined the choir at St
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Maureen beats the yo-yo diet
MUM Maureen Hunter was determined she would not approach her half century this summer as "fair, fat and fifty." Instead, Mrs Hunter from Nursteed Road signed up with a local slimming club and in the last 18 months she has lost four and a half stone, reducing
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Fall down stairs killed husband
RICHARD Campbell, 61, died after he broke his neck falling down the stairs in the middle of the night, an inquest heard. The hearing in Chippenham on Thursday heard that Mr Campbell fell down steep stairs at his home in High Street, Seend, at around 1.45am
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Dressing down is going out
HUMAN resource specialists are giving the thumbs down to dressing down days according to a survey. It seems they are now set against the idea that was once seen as a driver of creativity, productivity and motivation. In a survey of some 7,200 professionals
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High Street sales prospects gloomy
CONDITIONS on UK high streets have improved but retail sales growth is modest compared with last year, according to the Confederation of British Industry's latest survey. Retail sales were higher in May than a year earlier, the second consecutive month
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Fourth wicket stand saves day
Breamore (21pts) 162-6 bt Four Marks 142-9 (7pts) (Hampshire League North One) BREAMORE had reached just 51-2 at the half-way stage. However, a fine fourth wicket stand of 58 between Shaun Marlow, 72, and J. Downer, 36, helped them close on 162-6. P.
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Fovant chalk up a win
Fovant 178 bt Cerne Valley 129 by 49 runs (Nationwide Sun Awnings Dorset League Division III) VISITING newly promoted Cerne Valley for the first time, Fovant were invited to open the batting under the stern gaze of the chalk giant. An early wicket was
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South Wilts turn up the heat
SOUTH Wilts registered another superb performance to defeat last season's champions Havant in a thrilling match at Lower Bemerton. Adie Holewell smashed an unbeaten 21 off just 13 balls to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and send the league leaders
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Keen interest
TEENAGE cricketer Matthew Hicks from Winterbourne Gunner will be keenly following the progress of his South African coach Martin van Jaarsveld in the one-day NatWest triangular series with Zimbabwe and hosts England which starts on June 28. The 17-year-old
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Veterans to meet Queen
John Beauchamp, of Lime Kiln, Wootton Bassett, will be presented to the Queen after a British Korean Veterans' Association parade in London. The parade, on 9 July, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the ceasefire between North and South Korea. Mr Beauchamp
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Affordable homes fill a need in town
WOOTTON Bassett has just seen the completion of five new affordable homes, which the town council hopes will enable young people to stay in the town and get their own homes. The flats were converted from redundant offices above HSBC bank in Station Road
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Records tumble at Nomansland
RECORDS were broken at Nomansland as the home side recorded an emphatic win over Old Basing II. Winning the toss Nomansland had no hesitation in batting on what looked a perfect strip. Kev Hayward took an early liking to the attack cracking six fours
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High score but no win
Cricket Michelmersh & Timsbury 274-7 bt South Newton 270-6 (Hampshire League North Division One) SOUTH Newton batted first after winning the toss, and amassed a seemingly unsurpassable 270-6 - thought to be the highest score ever made by the club.
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Warren's delight at home international call-up
STEVE Warren has been selected for the England side for the first time following a highly successful trial over the Bank Holiday period. His call-up to the England team for the Home International Series in Ayr on July 2-3 rounds off a perfect month of
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Volunteers urged to take up school role
WILTSHIRE County Council is looking for people to volunteer to become school governors. It is looking for about 190 people to give up some of their spare time to help run the county's schools. School governors have a wide range of responsibilities, including
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More help for children
A conference on how to help children deal with traumatic events in their lives will be held in Tidworth on June 12. The Wiltshire Children and Young People's Services Partnership's seventh annual conference will be held at Tidworth Conference Centre .
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Stars turn spotlight on Riverbank project
ACTOR Nigel Havers has not only consented to be a patron of the proposed £4.5 million Riverbank theatre/cinema in Marlborough, he has given a further pledge. As he arrived at the official launch of fundraising for the project on Thursday, he told the
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Redundancies at Wiltshire College
ABOUT 13 members of staff could be made redundant to cover a £1.8million deficit at Wiltshire College. The college is being forced to make cut backs after an audit revealed funding had been claimed for students who were not actually taking classes. The
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Adventurer set for flight after bad weather delays
Explorer David Hempleman Adams is hoping to set off on his Atlantic balloon challenge at 2am tomorrow, after a week of delays due to bad weather. He is making a second attempt fly across the ocean from Pittsburgh, USA in an open wicker basket to break
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Mobile cameras move in on the county's speeding drivers
Speeding drivers in Wiltshire caught out by mobile cameras are receiving hefty fines and driving bans. The police safety camera unit has been moving around the county to try and catch drivers breaking the law. A 30-year-old man from Calne was recently
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Hot competition as chefs go into battle
TOP chefs from across the county slugged it out on Tuesday in Wiltshire's first ever competition to see who is king of the kitchen. The competition, held in the kitchens of Wiltshire College Trowridge's catering department, was arranged in the style of
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Players pack tournament
HUNDREDS of young footballers will converge when AFC Corsham hold their annual six-a-side tournament this weekend. A total of 320 teams will congregate at the Leafy Lane playing fields in Rudloe for the two-day football festival. Clubs from as far afield
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New league is kicking off
THE DIGS six-a-side soccer league is coming to Devizes after a successful season in Swindon. The new competition kicks off on September 1 on the new Astroturf pitches at Devizes Sports Centre. Fixtures will be played every Wednesday evening, and organiser
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French show a little flair at tournament
THERE was plenty of French footballing flair on parade at Biddestone last weekend, but it was a local side that stole the glory at the annual La Fleche soccer festival. FC Chippenham Youth played host to RC Flechois from Chippenham's twin town of La Fleche
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Skateboard boy sets barn ablaze
A 12-YEAR-OLD skateboarder admitted causing a fire that burned down a barn belonging to councillor Toby Sturgis, causing £40,000 damage. Police are treating the fire at Brook Farm, Great Somerford, as arson and the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons
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Luke's leap raises cancer charity cash
SIXTH former Luke Bolton has come back to earth with a jolt after having his head in the clouds. Luke, 17, from Ramsbury, hopes to raise about £800 sponsorship for the Breast Cancer Care charity as the result of his sky-dive. Luke decided to have a go
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Vandals make meal of raid
POLICE hope they are hot on the trail of vandals who broke into a village hall and used its microwave to warm their supper. They clambered onto the roof of toilets at the back Upavon Village Hall and got in through a skylight window. Once inside, they
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Patients vent their anger at health chief
THERE were angry exchanges at St Paul's Hall last Wednesday night, when 300 patients gathered to grill health chief Barbara Smith about the fate of Marshfield Road Surgery. The future of the surgery, near Chippenham town centre, has been hanging in the
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The winners and losers
FAIR DEAL FOR OUR SCHOOLS: THE Government gives to schools with one hand and takes away with the other. That is the verdict of headteachers who are battling to bring Swindon's schools up to scratch with a fraction of the cash afforded to most towns and
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African band cancels tour after lead singer's death
LEGENDARY South African township jive band The Soul Brothers have had to cancel an Old Town Bowl appearance following the death of their lead singer. The band were due to appear on Saturday in the first of this year's World Music concerts. However, the
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Have you seen him?
Main picture shows the wound from the attack on the womans neck. INSET: The attacker.POLICE today released this artist's impression of the man who attacked and robbed a woman in her own home. Detectives hope the image will prompt people to identify the
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Pilot scheme will bring caretakers to the streets of Penhill
Uniformed caretakers are preparing to take to the streets of Penhill. A pilot scheme introducing five caretakers will start on June 14 aimed at providing a safe and clean estate. The workers will wear uniforms so residents will be able to recognise them
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Firm owner waits for fraudster's sentencing
HAULAGE firm owner John Keeping is waiting to find out whether a woman who stole £164,196.34 from his business while his wife was dying of cancer will be jailed next week. Lesley Cross, 62, now living in Scunthorpe, Humberside, appeared at Swindon Crown
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Thank god
This teen terror will no longer be able to cause havoc in Highworth for at least three months. The 15-year-old has been sent to a young offenders' institute after bringing misery to the town by causing a nuisance at school, shops and at church. He pulled
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Local Rugby Fixtures 2003-4
South West 2 East 6/9/03: Chippenham v Swanage & Wareham; Frome v Reading Abbey; Maidenhead v Wimborne; Salisbury v Oakmeadians; Stow-on-the-Wold v Marlow; Windsor v High Wycombe. 13/9/03: Frome v Chippenham; Marlow v Windsor; Oakmeadians v Stow-on-the-Wold
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Tough start for Old Boys
PROMOTED Swindon College will start life in Southern Counties South with a tough away assignment at Tadley when the new Powergen South West Division league rugby season kicks off in September. The Old Boys, back in the division after a year down in Dorset
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Anglers angry at restock ban
A RESTOCKING ban looks set to be imposed on Salisbury Angling Club leaving club members bewildered and angry. The Environment Agency has told the club it cannot restock its lakes at Steeple Langford with crucian carp, tench and bream because they are
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Postal service among country's worst
FIRST class postal services in Salisbury are among the 20 worst performing postcode areas in the country for delivering next-day post. Figures released on Friday by Postwatch South and West show that Salisbury's SP postcode area is in joint 11th position
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Surgery at the supermarket
CALNE Town councillors are set to begin regular ward surgeries outside Sainsbury's to answer questions and give townsfolk the opportunity to voice concerns. The surgeries are planned to take place on the first Saturday of every month and are open to local
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Buster's trout pout
AN 11-year old Golden Retriever bit off more than he could chew on Saturday after a casual swim in the Avon at Durrington netted him a 6lb rainbow trout. Buster had been out for a walk with owners Helen and Tony Peacock and their younger dog, Dudley,
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Allotment land sale probe by auditor
THE District Auditor will launch an investigation this month into allegations of malpractice surrounding the sale of the Newcroft Allotments by Calne Town Council. Furious former allotment holders and residents living adjacent to the site believe the
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Family's holiday plan wrecked by joyriders
A family's holiday savings went up in smoke when joyriders stole their car and left a burnt out shell as a Bank Holiday crime wave rocked Calne. The family's nightmare was just one incident in a hectic 72 hours for police, which included two robberies
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Voluntary vital lifeline
National Volunteers' Week will act as a focus for people who give up their time to help others in a huge variety of ways. LEWIS COWEN meets one group, whose members devote their time to helping stroke victims. HAVING a stroke is a great leveller. It can
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Maureen beats the yo-yo diet
MUM Maureen Hunter was determined she would not approach her half century this summer as "fair, fat and fifty." Instead, Mrs Hunter from Nursteed Road signed up with a local slimming club and in the last 18 months she has lost four and a half stone, reducing
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Farmers celebrate success of lifeline
AN enterprise which proved to be a lifeline to farmers during the dark days of BSE, celebrates its fourth anniversary on Saturday in Devizes. Farmers' markets were started to help local farmers and producers who were struggling to make a living. Kennet
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Stalked shop owner is selling up
SHOP owner Maddie Leighton is so anxious to sell up her costume hire business before stalker Nicholas England is released from prison that she says she is willing to accept any reasonable offer. In February, England, 44, from Middleton Cheney, Oxfordshire
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Popular man's death remains a mystery
Family and friends of Richard Bligh, 24, who drowned while on a working holiday in Florida, have paid tribute to a man who lived an adventurous life. Mr Bligh, from Ditteridge, Box, had been working and travelling around Canada and America for two years
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Council's chief joins bike riders
WILTSHIRE County Council's chief executive, Dr Keith Robinson, will join members of his staff and the public to cycle 26 miles from County Hall, in Trowbridge, to the Bustard Hotel, near Larkhill, as part of National Bike Week next week. Members of staff
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Solicitor fights to keep her licence
SOLICITOR Jane Hickman claimed misleading road signs led to her speeding through Avebury. Magistrates sitting in Devizes banned her from driving for 21 days due to her excess speed and previous speeding offences despite her plea to be allowed to carry
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Town reveals 12-year plan
THE blueprint for development in the Devizes area in the next 12 years has been published. Copies of the Devizes Community Area Plan were delivered to homes throughout Devizes and its satellite villages this week, following two years of discussion and
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Speeding minister pleads for road ban
CHURCH minister the Rev Rico Tice begged magistrates to disqualify him for speeding to set an example to his flock but he escaped a ban. Tice, an associate minister at All Souls Church, in Langham Place, London, was caught speeding on the M4 in Wiltshire
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Man given counselling
Mark Hiscock, of Roseland Avenue, Devizes, has been put on a community rehabilitation order after he was drunk and disorderly in the town's Market Place twice in seven days. Hiscock, 29, appeared at Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes on Tuesday and admitted
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Smart move in job quest
CAR park attendant Tim Merritt went to work dressed in a suit in a bid to find a new job. Mr Merritt, 50, was shocked to discover he was being laid off from his part-time job as the car park attendant at the One Stop Shop in the Market Place, Devizes.
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Villagers angry as petition over trail bikes fails to prompt council action
VILLAGERS in Easton Royal are amazed county council officers are pigeon holing their petition calling for action of trail bikers who tear through the village. Farmer Graham Cooper, who has three young children, said he was amazed at the disregard some
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Hit-run smash
A breakdown truck owned by Whatleys of Pewsey was involved in a hit and run accident at the Goerge Lane/Pewsey road roundabout in Marlborough on Friday when it was struck by a blue Peugeot 405 saloon car that failed to stop. Only minor damage was caused
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Garden turns back the clock
HARRY Dodson, presenter of TV's The Victorian Garden, this week visited the Victorian garden at Rowdeford School, near Devizes, which dates back to 1889. He was shown around by Mike Bowden, chairman of the Rowdeford Charity Trust, and Jeremy Addington
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Business offers site for town's skatepark
BUSINESSMAN Steve Brooks is offering land on the outskirts of Devizes for a skateboard park. He said he would be willing to talk to interested people to locate a skatepark at the back of Coral Cove, the soft play centre he owns at Hopton Park, London
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Witnesses plea after road rage attack
POLICE are appealing for any witnesses to a road rage attack on a lone woman driver at Berwick Bassett on Friday, May 30. She was left shaken up after a man jumped out of a car in front of her at traffic lights, opened the driver's door of her Range Rover
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Woman's body found in canal
DEVIZES Police searching for a missing 81-year-old woman from the Devizes area have found a body in the Kennet and Avon Canal at Foxhangers. The alarm was raised after the woman's car was found abandoned in a lay-by near the Caen Hill flight of locks
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Luke's leap raises cancer charity cash
SIXTH former Luke Bolton has come back to earth with a jolt after having his head in the clouds. Luke, 17, from Ramsbury, hopes to raise about £800 sponsorship for the Breast Cancer Care charity as the result of his sky-dive. Luke decided to have a go
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Thugs in attack on Indian waiter
POLICE are hunting six men who launched an unprovoked attack on Indian restaurant worker Raju Ahmed in the early hours of Friday morning. They are treating it as a racially motivated assault, the first such incident thought to have taken place in the
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Bike trek is to be annual
A GRUELLING 100 mile cross-country bike ride that took in Marlborough at the weekend is expected to become an annual event. The Ancient Hill Fort Challenge was organised by Wallingford Round Table in Oxfordshire. More than 90 per cent of the route was
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Jungle survivor to run marathon
STUDENT Tom Merriott, who three years ago was fighting for his life in a South American jungle hospital, is gearing up to run in the New York Marathon in November. Mr Merriott, 22 next week, whose mother lives at Wilton, suffered peritonitis after his
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Driver faces jail over dad's death
TRUCKER Ian Lawrence faces jail after falling asleep at the wheel and killing Marlborough father-of-two Nick Hall. Mr Hall, 46, who lived with his wife Monica and two sons in Cherry Orchard, died instantly in the crash on the A350 at Upton Scudamore,
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Carp haul makes winner a big cheese
SOUTH Cerney AC, who have gone from success to success over recent years, have come up with the goods again with the introduction of more fish in their Wick Water Fishery and Ham Pool situated near their very popular clubhouse. On Sunday in the annual
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Officials kick off work on £573,000 sports pavilion
Work has started on a £573,000 sports pavilion in Highworth. Highworth mayor, Ken Poulton, got the shovel work underway, ending a 10-year campaign to improve facilities for Highworth Junior Football Club. Some 200 youngsters, aged from six to 16, currently
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Illness claims push bills up
SUCCESSFUL compensation claims over illnesses such as the Swindon Disease, mesothelioma, have raised companies' insurance premiums by up to half in the last year. Now the Government is preparing measures designed to help employers cope with the spiralling
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A pub where quality counts
AN OLD Town pub ranks among the best in the country for serving good beer. Landlord Ted Kukielko of the Roaring Donkey in Albert Street is celebrating after his pub was one of just 16 to win a beer and cellar management quality competition run by pub
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Taking animal antics into Noah's Ark
A menagerie of animals paid a visit to children at the Noah's Ark Nursery in Okus Road. A group of 16 youngsters at the nursery were introduced to a corn snake, a cat, a cluster of giant African snails and a dog all under the supervision of veterinary
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Male cancer highlighted at event in Parliament
MEN'S cancer was under the spotlight at a Cancer Research event at the House of Commons. And among the 50 MPs attending was South Swindon MP Julia Drown. She said: "It was essentially a way of giving members of parliament a chance to speak to specialist
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Teen sets up home by football ground
A teenager who left his family home after a row is living rough in a tent near the County Ground. Since 19-year-old Vinny Heatlie left home last August, he has lived at his grandfather's house and at a friends. But now he is sleeping rough. He was last
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Fluoride choice
THE threat of fluoridation of our water once again rears its ugly head. Who, I wonder, holds shares in the manufacture of this chemical that has been used (and banned) in America where it caused mottling on teeth? What would be the cost of adding this
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Electrifying scheme
It was heartening to read the Gazette's article on the furniture recycling charity Waste Not Want Not, which highlighted that by refurbishing unwanted goods, tonnes of waste can be diverted away from our rapidly filling landfill sites. With a similar
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Ring found in field will have pride of place in museum
A 17th century ring made by a Marlborough goldsmith is set to have pride of place in a Wiltshire museum exhibition. The gold posy ring is the work of William Gough, believed to be the leading goldsmith in north Wiltshire in the mid-17th century. He was
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County praised
Through the Gazette I would like to say to the people of Wiltshire what a glorious county you have. My family and I have just come back home from a wonderful week spent in Devizes. You should be proud of your clean, tidy, and practically litter free towns
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Assembly myths
In reply to Richard Pierce's letter of May 29, my dear Mr Pierce if you wish to fly off on your mythical dragon to consult with Alfred the Great, please feel free to do so. I would rather keep my feet firmly on the ground in the 21st century. Quite how
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Methodists remember the work of evangelist John Wesley
Wootton Bassett Methodists are planning to spread the message, 'Jesus loves You!' to remember the work of evangelist John Wesley, whose tercentenary is this year. A programme of events will start on Wednesday, June 11, when the Methodist Church will be
